Introduction of Wikipedia to Baze University

Overview

This project was requested as a follow up of a previous photo tour project at Baze University Abuja. The University management had asked for more collaborative efforts in understanding the free knowledge movement, Wikipedia and how it affects their institution. This project was aimed at officially introducing Wikipedia to the University and training staff and students on how to navigate and contribute content on Wikipedia.

Project objectives

To Recruit new editors
To Improve awareness about Wikipedia
To Increase skills for any existing editors
To Add or improve content on Wikipedia

Project goal

The project would be adjudged succesful if the following targets are met:

Number of events = 2
Number of participants = 30
Number of new editors = 20+
Number of articles created or improved = 10

Events

Day 1

Date: 29th November, 2021

Venue: University Multi-purpose sports complex

Comment: We experienced some challenges on Day 1 - members of the University planning committee made some scheduling errors which resulted in a location mix-up. Students were unable to register nor make any edits. The event was rescheduled with a subsequent date to be communicated.

Day 2

Date: 2nd February, 2022

Venue: Auditorium C, Baze University, Abuja

Comment: The event held successfully in 2 separate sessions of 2hrs each and students were able register (36) and make edits(20). There was a challenge with attendance as we had earlier planned for 30 participants but received 98+ participants. This resulted in an IP registration block and also disrupted the internet use. There was a Q&A session after which participants were added into a WhatsApp group for further future mentoring. The University management also promised to organize at least one more training session within the semester.